Hoyer Statement in Recognition of John Berry’s Service as Director of OPM

Hoyer Statement in Recognition of John Berry’s Service as Director of OPM

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in recognition of John Berry's service as Director of the Office of Personnel Management:

“My good friend, John Berry, in his four years at the helm of the Office of Personnel Management, demonstrated outstanding leadership, much as he did when he served on my staff for ten years and was a principal architect of the Federal Employee Pay Comparability Act. At a time when federal employees find themselves repeatedly targeted for salary and benefit reductions, John has been a strong and consistent voice on their behalf and has regularly highlighted the important work they carry out on behalf of the American people.

“John brought to OPM a commitment to excellence and a belief that a more diverse federal workforce is a stronger one, overseeing a movement toward hiring more veterans, Hispanics, and people with disabilities. He directed reforms to the hiring process that established pathways to full-time jobs for interns and recent graduates with mission-critical skills, and the time to complete security-background investigations has been cut significantly while retaining the highest standards. Furthermore, John extended federal health insurance to firefighters and emergency response workers, recognizing their important service to our country.

“Throughout the years I have known John, he has answered the call to serve with dignity and strength of character. I thank John for his service and wish him all the best as he prepares for the next phase of his career.”